Food and wine is to get that retro feel for a day - thanks to
The Vaults restaurant in Birmingham.
Bon viveurs are being taken back to a taste of France from the
1980s.
It was the 1908s when seemingly the whole world was passionate
about the launch of Beaujolais Nouveau with all sorts of races and
stunts aimed at being the first to serve it to customers. People
even plunged into swimming pools full of the precious liquid.
And a new generation can enjoy the fun when Beaujolais Nouveau
Day takes place at The Vaults on Newhall Place in the Jewellery
Quarter on Thursday, November 17.
The light-bodied and fruity wine will be complemented by special
French dishes from the kitchen. For seafood lovers Fruits de Mer
will be on offer. For meat eaters steak tartare, steak au poivre
and frogs legs are a possibility - chef is still finalising the
menu.
Vaults partner Julian Wilson said: "At the stroke of midnight on
the third Thursday of every November, France erupts in massive
celebration in honour of the unveiling of the Beaujolais Nouveau
wine.
"Beaujolais Nouveau, which is a young wine, only six weeks old,
comes from a region south of Burgundy in France. All over the
country, grand traditions have developed in honour of the release
of the Beaujolais, with the biggest festival taking place in
Beaujeu, the capital of the Beaujolais region. This little city
springs to life during the weekend, hosting a massive party.
"Other areas in France also boisterously celebrate the arrival
of the Beaujolais Nouveau. Lyon hosts the Beaujolympiades, marking
the release of the wine with music and fireworks followed by two
days of sampling. In Paris, restaurants and bistros host their
Beaujolais Nouveau parties, staying open through the night and
uncorking hundreds of bottles after midnight.
"And now The Vaults is re-instating this great French tradition,
celebrating life and wine. Come and join the party."
Due to the way it is made Beaujolais Nouveau is said to be about
as close to white wine as a red wine can get.
All the grapes in the Beaujolais region must be picked by hand.
These are the only vineyards, along with Champagne, where hand
harvesting is mandatory.
You serve Beaujolais Nouveau slightly cool - at about 55 degrees
Fahrenheit - the wine is more refreshing and its forward fruit more
apparent than if you serve it at room temperature.
Devotees can get further information from Manga at The Vaults on
(0121) 212 9837 or email manga@vaultsbirmingham.com.